Calloused
I have always had a hard heart, unable feel compassion towards others. I would call it a calloused heart. My fingers are calloused from playing guitar, my heart is calloused by my comfort.
Growing up I always said that missions trips and evangelism were for other people, those weren’t my gifts.
I don’t know if it was carrying buckets of water for hours on end in the Dominican Republic, I don’t know if it was driving by homeless people in my boss’s Porsche, I don’t know if it was marrying a woman who has a passion for children in Africa, BUT I have been changed.
On Friday Rose and I sponsored our first child. Her name is Monica, she is from Uganda. My entire life I have always thought her plight was someone else’s problem. Friday, we became part of the solution.
Walking through the AIDS Experience, I was Emmanuel. Both my mom and dad had died and my older brother took care of me because my aunt wouldn’t care for someone whose parent’s had AIDS. Today I am in school and I do not have AIDS. Rose however, was a girl that does have AIDS (hence our plus and minus signs in the picture).
I always hated the guilt trip of not doing enough, so I won’t dish that out to you. However, I do know that when God says it is difficult for the rich to get to heaven I think he is talking to every American because we are all rich. I hope that this small monthly donation not only can bless Monica and her community but will take my heart off of the things of this world.
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Tyler Braun.
your honesty is very honorable. i think people assume that, for instance, you are exempt from having a hard time being compationate for everyone all the time. you’re from a pastor’s family so you should have it all figured out like a well oiled machine, right? wrong. that’s why your testimony is so impacting, because when someone is honest about any kind of struggle, especially one in leadership, it is that much more helpful for everyone else who feels this but doesn’t admit it. bravo.
thanks miranda.
That’s awesome! I’m glad you guys chose to sponsor Monica. I strongly believe ALL families should sponsor at least one child
Great Post. I think you nailed the feeling of a lot of us who go through everyday, not even noticing or paying attention. Sounds like the AIDS Experience was pretty amazing. Our family adopted little Ugattu from Uganda last January. We just got a letter from him and are looking forward to writing back. This is the first time for us as a family to do anything like this, but I am sure it won’t be the last!
I have been thinking about doing this, which organization did you go through?
we went with world vision. you should check out a post i did on world vision vs compassion international. a lot of the comments are pretty helpful.
yeah, will do! Thanks!
Awesome.